Section 603.02

I. Scope:

This standard was created to ensure the safety of members involved in motor vehicle responses which involve hybrid vehicles.

II. General Information:

A. The gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle is gaining in popularity due to the demand on environmentally friendly vehicles.

B. A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses combined propulsion systems to provide power.

C. Modern hybrid vehicles are driven by electric motors powered by both batteries and an internal combustion engine (ICE).

D. For emergency responders, hybrid vehicles are no more dangerous than conventional vehicles if handled in the correct manner

E. The high voltage system may remained powered for up to 10 minutes: after the vehicle is shut off, the 12-volt battery is disconnected or the safety disconnect switch is removed.

F. Whenever you approach a hybrid vehicle, be it in a fire, rescue or recovery situation, you have to follow this golden rule: “Always assume the vehicle is powered up.”

III. General Safety Precautions:

A. Members engaged in firefighting and rescue efforts shall wear full PPE (and SCBA for vehicle fires). Protective clothing shall not be removed until the incident has been secured.

B. The presence of broken glass and other sharp objects mandates that personnel wear approved gloves and other safety equipment to prevent the possibility of injury even after the incident has been secured.

C. Stabilize the vehicle, as soon as possible, to prevent movement. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways such as using wheel chocks, cribbing, winches, etc.

D. If it becomes necessary to open the vehicle’s hood, a hatch or other opening to make a rescue or extinguish a fire, prop open the hood or hatch to prevent accidental closing.

E. If the operation takes place in the darkness, illuminate the scene properly. The use of portable or fixed scene lighting is recommended.

F. Firefighters and rescue workers should also be aware of the hazards associated with airbags, energy absorbing bumpers, downed or overhead power lines, hollow driveshafts, high pressure hoses, air suspension systems and the danger of exploding tires equipped with split-rims, such as the wheels on larger vehicles and some pick-up trucks.

G. Establish an adequate supply of water. Hoselines should be pulled. Typically, the minimum size deployed should be a 38mm hoseline. Approach the vehicle from upwind whenever possible.

Personnel arriving at the scene of a fire or crash-related incident involving a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle should complete the initial scene assessment and then the following procedure as soon as practical:

With some hybrids the only external visible indication is a badge on the rear or the side of the vehicle. The interior should have some distinct features to help you identify it as a hybrid:

a. The dashboard area will have hybrid switches or buttons with “HYBRID” written on them.

c. Perhaps wording such as “READY” or “AUTO-STOP” may be visible in the instrument panel.

A thorough survey should be able to confirm a hybrid vehicle, if not initially apparent.

1. Immobilize the wheels front and back, even if the vehicle is on its side. An important fact that emergency responders need to understand is that due to the nature of hybrids they may appear to be turned off when in fact they are in “SLEEP” mode. Similar to golf carts, the hybrid may power back up and take off without hesitation should the accelerator pedal be pressed. In other words, should the driver accidentally step on the accelerator, the vehicle could silently lurch forward and run over emergency personnel.

2. Crib the vehicle. Be careful not to place cribbing under high voltage cables.

3. If vehicle is on its side, make sure you do not come into contact with the high voltage cables on the underside of the vehicle when you are stabilizing the vehicle.

1. Move the gear shift to the park position (there could be a button to depress near the dash with the word “OFF” printed on it.)

3. If it is a manual transmission, move the shift lever to the neutral position.

1. Some hybrids use a conventional type of ignition key that can be removed as soon as the transmission is placed in park.

2. Some hybrids have a “Smart Key” which utilizes a wireless transceiver that communicates with the vehicle. If this key is not able to be located, there is usually a switch under the steering column that can be turned off to deactivate the “Smart Key” system. When this switch is turned off all the lights will go off on the dash. If the power is still on the high voltage system is still active.

If the vehicle is shut off, the instrument gauges will be blacked out or, not illuminated. There is still power to the vehicle.

1. Disconnect the 12-volt battery connections first by disconnecting the ground wire then disconnecting the positive wire. The 12-volt battery may be located under the hood or in the trunk.

2. Locate the “High Voltage Service Disconnect” switch, located near the high voltage battery pack (usually located near, under or behind rear seats and enclosed in metal boxes).

A. Firefighters will not be electrocuted fighting a hybrid vehicle fire even if there is direct flame impingement on the battery pack itself.

B. It is important to use copious amounts of water to cool the metal box that houses the high voltage battery pack.

C. Do not remove the cover of the high voltage battery pack. These batteries are to burn themselves out, if on fire.

Automobile dealerships are great resources. Personnel should visit these regularly and familiarize themselves with the features of new hybrid models. Unfortunately, many of the features that make vehicles safer for the environment pose unique hazards for firefighters.